28 August 2013 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 28 Aug 2013 [PDF]

Hope And Expectation: The Pakistani Media's Response To Karzai's Visit RFE/RL 28 Aug 2013 -- While the concrete outcome of Afghan President Hamid Karzai's two-day visit to Pakistan has yet to be seen, hopes and expectations are higher than they have ever been.
US aid group halts work in Afghanistan after deadly attack PressTV 28 Aug 2013 -- A US-based aid organization says it has temporarily suspended operations across Afghanistan after Taliban militants executed five of its employees in the country's troubled west.
Gunfire erupts after explosion rocks Polish base in eastern Afghanistan PressTV 28 Aug 2013 -- Gunfire has erupted in eastern Afghanistan after an explosion rocked a Polish military base in the area.
Militant attack on NATO convoy kills four in Afghanistan PressTV 28 Aug 2013 -- Taliban militants have targeted a convoy of US-led foreign troops in an area of the troubled southern Afghanistan, killing at least four people.
1st Cavalry conduct presence patrol around FOB Fenty Army News 28 Aug 2013 -- Troop B, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division soldiers practiced bounding.

Defense Policy / Programs

Readout of Secretary Hagel's Meeting with ASEAN Defense Ministers in Brunei DoD 28 Aug 2013
Readout of Secretary Hagel's Meeting with Vietnamese Minister of National Defense General Phung Quang Thanh DoD 28 Aug 2013
Readout of Secretary Hagel's Meeting with Republic of Korea Minister of Defense Kim Kwan Jin DoD 28 Aug 2013
Readout of Secretary Hagel's Meeting with Japan Defense Minister Onodera DoD 28 Aug 2013
Readout of Secretary Hagel's Meeting with Brunei Host DoD 28 Aug 2013
Hagel Meets with ASEAN Defense Ministers in Brunei AFPS 28 Aug 2013 -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel met with his counterparts from the 10 nations that make up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Continuous bomber presence exemplifies Global Power AFNS 28 Aug 2013 -- Barksdale aviators, maintainers and B-52H Stratofortress aircraft deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, the last week of August.
Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Assumes the Watch in the Navy's 5th Fleet NNS 28 Aug 2013 -- The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group relieved the Nimitz CSG in the Arabian Sea Aug. 26, assuming the duties as Commander, Task Force 50.
USS Harry S. Truman and CVW 3 Support OEF NNS 28 Aug 2013 -- Carrier Air Wing 3 flew its first fixed-wing aircraft sorties from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman as part of its regularly scheduled deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom Aug. 27.
Bonhomme Richard Arrives in Darwin NNS 28 Aug 2013 -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard and embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in Darwin, Australia Aug. 28, for a scheduled port visit.
Army's manufacturing improvements yield lighter body armor Army News 28 Aug 2013 -- Soldiers facing rugged terrain and extreme temperatures are continually searching for ways to reduce the weight of their gear.
Watervliet's $4.3M contract may lighten the load for Infantrymen Army News 28 Aug 2013 -- The U.S. Army signaled its approval of a new experimental 60 mm baseplate for its infantry.
Fort Hood Shooter Sentenced to Death VOA 28 Aug 2013 -- A U.S. military jury has sentenced an Army psychiatrist to death for intentionally killing 13 fellow soldiers in the 2009 shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas.
RCT-7 returns to Combat Center USMC News 28 Aug 2013 -- Marines and sailors with Regimental Combat Team 7 were reunited with their loved ones at the Combat Center’s Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field Aug. 24 after an 11-month deployment to Afghanistan.
Division Marines help test USNS Spearhead’s capabilities USMC News 28 Aug 2013 -- Approximately 280 Marines and sailors with 2nd Marine Division took part in the testing of the Navy’s joint high speed vessel, USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1), July 31 through August 6, 2013, at sea.
Dual 1,000th 'Traps' Achieved Aboard USS Nimitz NNS 28 Aug 2013 -- Two aviators reached career milestones by achieving their 1,000th carrier arrested landing, or "trap," on the same day, while serving aboard the same aircraft carrier, USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Aug. 28.
MWATS-1 Marines introduce FAC(A) to Swedish Air Force USMC News 28 Aug 2013 -- U.S. Marine Corps Aviators, along with Swedish Air Force counterparts, conducted an introduction to Forward Air Controller (Airborne) operations and Close Air Support.
Working dogs, handlers dynamic duo for base defense AFNS 28 Aug 2013 -- Deploying in pairs, military working dogs and their handlers share a bond exclusive to their career field; each directly dependent upon each other to accomplish the mission.
Aircraft deploy to California to aid firefighting effort AFNS 28 Aug 2013 -- The U.S. Forest Service, through the National Interagency Fire Center, has ordered the three MAFFS aircraft operating at the Boise Air Tanker Base moved to McClellan Air Tanker base.
NASA Crashes Helicopter – On Purpose RIA Novosti 28 Aug 2013 -- NASA purposely crashed a 45-foot long (14-meter) helicopter fuselage from a height of about 30 feet (9 meters) to learn about safety.
95th Civil Affairs Brigade breaks ground on new headquarters facility Army News 28 Aug 2013 -- A ground breaking ceremony was held at a site located in the Gen. Yarborough Complex, and when completed will be the new home for the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade (Airborne).
Technicians coengineer cost-saver with a spin AFNS 28 Aug 2013 -- As two aircraft metals technicians pondered the awkward and lengthy four-part paint process of the KC-135 Stratotanker's main landing wheel they said they had a eureka moment.
Aug. 27, 2013 - Westphal remarks for Carter Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony Army News 28 Aug 2013
Aug. 27, 2013 - Campbell remarks for Carter Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony Army News 28 Aug 2013

New Deals Clinched at MAKS-2013 Airshow RIA Novosti 28 Aug 2013 -- Day 2 at the MAKS-2013 international air and space show just outside Moscow saw more contracts signed and important initiatives announced.
Russian Fighter Jets to Deploy to Belarus by Year End RIA Novosti 28 Aug 2013 -- A unit of Russian fighter jets will be deployed in Belarus before the yearend.

Royal Navy takes part in counter-drugs operations UK MOD 28 Aug 2013 -- Royal Navy warship HMS Argyll has just completed an intense period of counter-narcotics operations in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Royal Marines begin Exercise Albanian Lion UK MOD 28 Aug 2013 -- A large-scale exercise which will see more than 600 Royal Marines hone their skills alongside their Albanian counterparts is now underway.

China's J-10 at Russia Air Show People's Daily 28 Aug 2013 -- The "Bayi" (August 1) Aerobatic Team of the Air Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army has arrived in Russia with J-10 jet fighters for its first overseas airshow.

U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, August 28, 2013 US Dept. of State 28 Aug 2013

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for August 28, 2013
Cuba Gets 3rd An-158 Plane, Signs Deal for 3 More RIA Novosti 28 Aug 2013 -- Ukraine’s Antonov aircraft maker has handed over a third An-158 passenger airliner to Cuba and signed a contract for the delivery of three more.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 28 August 2013 United Nations 28 Aug 2013
In Peace Palace address, Ban appeals for political solution to Syrian conflict UN News Centre 28 Aug 2013 -- Secretary-General Ban urged members of the Security Council to explore all diplomatic options to bring all Syrian parties to the negotiating table.

Readout of Secretary Hagel's Meeting with German Minister of Defense DoD 28 Aug 2013
Obama: No Decision Yet on Syria Response VOA 28 Aug 2013 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says he has not yet made a decision about how to respond to what the United States sees as the use of chemical weapons in Syria.
US Not Waiting for UN to Respond on Syria VOA 28 Aug 2013 -- The United States says it will not wait for the United Nations to respond to the suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria.
UN Envoys Mum After Talks on Syria VOA 28 Aug 2013 -- United Nations diplomats from the United States, Russia, France, China and Britain launched talks on a draft resolution from Britain calling for the world body to "do what is necessary" to protect civilians.
World Powers Discuss Syria at UN VOA 28 Aug 2013 -- The world’s major powers met at the United Nations to discuss a British-drafted Security Council resolution that would open the door to military intervention in Syria.
US Strike on Syria Could Be Prelude to Diplomacy VOA 28 Aug 2013 -- The apparent U.S. decision to strike Syria for what appears to have been a wide-scale and lethal use of chemical weapons on a Damascus suburb is in keeping with the Obama doctrine.
Russia says too early for UN resolution on Syria PressTV 28 Aug 2013 -- Russia says it is too early for a UN resolution on Syria, noting that the Security Council should wait until the UN inspectors present their report on the alleged chemical attack in the Arab country.
Britain Wants UN Resolution on Syria VOA 28 Aug 2013 -- Britain will introduce a draft resolution to the U.N. Security Council Wednesday that authorizes "necessary measures to protect civilians" in Syria.
Syria: UN-Arab League envoy says ‘substance’ may have killed civilians UN News Centre 28 Aug 2013 -- The joint United Nations-Arab League Envoy for Syria said any military strike against the country in response must have the backing of the UN Security Council.
Military action in Syria needs UNSC authorization: Brahimi PressTV 28 Aug 2013 -- UN-Arab League Special Envoy on Syria Lakhdar Brahimi has said any foreign military action in Syria needs to be approved by the UN Security Council.
UN Chief Urges Security Council ‘Unity’ on Syria RIA Novosti 28 Aug 2013 -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon insisted on the need for a diplomatic solution to the Syrian conflict.
UN Envoys Begin Talks on Syria VOA 28 Aug 2013 -- Diplomats at the United Nations have begun talks on a resolution proposed by Britain to condemn the Syrian government's alleged chemical attack on civilians.
US Consulting World Leaders on Possible Syria Strike VOA 28 Aug 2013 -- The U.S. is consulting with various foreign leaders as it weighs whether to carry out a military strike against Syria for its suspected chemical weapons attack last week.
US Gathers Int’l Support for Possible Syria Military Action RIA Novosti 28 Aug 2013 -- The administration of US President Barack Obama said it has moved beyond the question of whether or not chemical weapons were used in Syria last week.
US strikes on Syria would not be limited: Senior official PressTV 28 Aug 2013 -- A senior Obama administration official said a possible US military action against Syria would not be a limited assault.
NATO Secretary General Statement on North Atlantic Council Meeting on Syria NATO 28 Aug 2013
NATO: Chemical Attacks 'Cannot Go Unanswered'; UN Inspectors 'Need Time' On Syria RFE/RL 28 Aug 2013 -- NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen says any use of chemical weapons in Syria "cannot go unanswered."
Israel deploys missile system near border with Syria PressTV 28 Aug 2013 -- The Israeli regime has deployed its missile system near its border with Syria as the rhetoric of war against Syria gains momentum.
China Warns Against Syria Intervention VOA 28 Aug 2013 -- Chinese state media are warning against military intervention in Syria, arguing the United States and its allies are using chemical weapons as an excuse to pursue regime change.
Egypt rejects foreign military intervention in Syria: Egyptian FM PressTV 28 Aug 2013 -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy says his country opposes foreign military intervention as a solution to the Syrian unrest.
Ban appeals to ‘all sides’ to support UN chemical weapons team in Syria UN News Centre 28 Aug 2013 -- The UN team investigating alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria was able to visit several locations in the suburbs of Damascus.
UN Team Resumes Syria Probe VOA 28 Aug 2013 -- United Nations weapons inspectors are resuming their probe of an alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria, while Russia warns that an outside military response would destabilize the country and the region.
UN Team Back To Syrian Chemical Attack Sites RFE/RL 28 Aug 2013 -- UN investigators are due later on August 28 to collect more evidence of a possible chemical weapons attack on the outskirts of the Syrian capital.
Ahmad, Palestinian refugee from Syria: “I feel we are double refugees” IRIN 28 Aug 2013 -- Palestinian refugees fleeing the violence in Syria have been refused entry into Lebanon for three weeks now.
Russia Sends Another Plane to Evacuate Citizens From Syria RIA Novosti 28 Aug 2013 -- After nearly 90 Russians were evacuated from Syria on Tuesday, the emergencies ministry sent another plane for citizens willing to leave the war-torn country.

Eastern DR Congo: UN peacekeeper killed in clash with armed groups near Goma UN News Centre 28 Aug 2013 -- The United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo supported the Congolese Armed Forces in launching an attack against M23 positions.
Peacekeeper Killed as UN Battles Rebels in Congo VOA 28 Aug 2013 -- A U.N. peacekeeper has been killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as U.N. and Congolese forces battle rebel group M23.
UN Helicopters Attack M23 in Eastern Congo VOA 28 Aug 2013 -- United Nations helicopters have fired on rebel group M23 in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where the army has been battling the rebels for the past week.
Respect for human rights key to stabilizations of DR Congo – UN official UN News Centre 28 Aug 2013 -- Strengthening respect for human rights and fighting impunity are essential for the stabilization of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

French president vows military intrusion in its former Central African colony PressTV 28 Aug 2013 -- French President Francois Hollande has threatened to deploy more military forces to its mineral-rich ex-colony of Central African Republic.

Statement by the President Announcing the Appointment of Ambassador Donald Booth as U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan The White House 28 Aug 2013
Displaced struggle as large areas remain inaccessible in Jonglei IRIN 28 Aug 2013 -- Tens of thousands of displaced people are still struggling to find food, water and access to shelter as they hide in the bush in South Sudan’s Jonglei State.
Sudanese Rebels Release Crew of Captured Mi-8 Helicopter RIA Novosti 28 Aug 2013 -- Two Ukrainian nationals who were part of the crew on board a Russian-made helicopter seized by Sudanese rebels earlier this month have been released.
MSF Scales Up Congolese Refugee Aid in Uganda VOA 28 Aug 2013 -- Humanitarian aid group Doctors Without Borders is scaling up operations in Uganda, where a new influx of refugees has arrived.
Wave of nomadic pastoral refugees hits Chad IRIN 28 Aug 2013 -- Among the refugees entering southeastern Chad from the Darfur region of neighbouring Sudan in the past few months are thousands of nomadic pastoralists.

20 Killed in Suspected Nigerian Militant Attacks VOA 28 Aug 2013 -- Gunmen have killed at least 20 people in Nigeria's Borno state, in two attacks suspected to be the work of militant sect Boko Haram.

Somalia: UN envoy welcomes agreement between Government, southern region's leaders UN News Centre 28 Aug 2013 -- The top United Nations envoy in Somalia welcomed the agreement signed between the country's Federal Government and the Interim Jubba Administration.

SE Asian Defense Ministers Discuss Territorial Disputes VOA 28 Aug 2013 -- Territorial disputes in the South China Sea are expected to top the agenda at a meeting of Southeast Asian defense ministers that started Wednesday in Brunei.

Almost 65 killed in car bomb attacks in Baghdad PressTV 28 Aug 2013 -- Nearly 65 people have been killed and almost 100 others injured in a series of car bomb attacks in the Iraqi capital Baghdad.
Wave Of Deadly Bombings Hits Baghdad's Shi'ite Neighborhoods RFE/RL 28 Aug 2013 -- A wave of bombings has torn through Shi'ite neighborhoods across Baghdad, reportedly killing at least 66 people and wounding more than 200 more.

Pakistan violates LoC truce 22nd time in succession, Indian troops retaliate IRNA 28 Aug 2013 -- For the 22nd day in succession, the Pakistan Army violated the ceasefire on the LoC by resorting to unprovoked firing in Poonch district.

Georgian National Convicted In Volgograd Of Terrorism RFE/RL 28 Aug 2013 -- Russia's Volgograd Oblast Court has sentenced a Georgian citizen to a four-year jail term for being an active member of Al-Qaeda.

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi to stand trial next month PressTV 28 Aug 2013 -- Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of slain Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi, is to stand trial on September 19, the country’s general prosecutor says.

News Reports

Egypt’s Second City Tense Ahead of Leaderless Protests VOA 28 Aug 2013 -- The volatile port city of Alexandria has long been a stronghold of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, but now - like the rest of the country - it is divided between Brotherhood followers and supporters of the military.
Egypt backs away from dissolving Muslim Brotherhood PressTV 28 Aug 2013 -- Egypt’s interim government has backed away from a decision to dissolve the Muslim Brotherhood amid simmering tensions in the North African country.

IAEA: Iran Installing Advanced Centrifuges RFE/RL 28 Aug 2013 -- Report by the International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran has installed about 1,000 advanced uranium-enrichment centrifuges and is set to test them.
Amano releases new Iran report IRNA 28 Aug 2013 -- IAEA Chief Yukiya Amano's new report on Iran has been put at the disposal of the IAEA Board of Governors.
Iran ready to allay concerns over nuclear energy program: Zarif PressTV 28 Aug 2013 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says Iran is ready to address concerns over the country’s nuclear energy program.
Bushehr nuclear power plant to enter industrial exploitation phase in 2 months: official IRNA 28 Aug 2013 -- Head of Bushehr nuclear power plant said Russian contractors will hand over the maintenance and safety responsibilities within the next two months.
U.S. Citizens Detained or Missing in Iran US Dept. of State 28 Aug 2013

Uighur Activist Accuses China of Covering Up Xinjiang Killings VOA 28 Aug 2013 -- A Uighur American activist is accusing China of covering up the killing of about a dozen Muslims during a raid in the northwestern region of Xinjiang last week.

Japan Raises Safety Alert Level of Fukushima Nuclear Leak VOA 28 Aug 2013 -- Japanese nuclear regulators have raised the safety alert level of a radioactive water leak at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, saying it is now a "serious incident."
Japan's Fukushima leak rate rises to level 3 PressTV 28 Aug 2013 -- Japan’s nuclear regulator has upgraded the level of a radioactive water leak at the country’s Fukushima nuclear power plant to a “serious incident,” or level 3, on an international scale.

Agreement on North-South Joint Committee for KIZ Adopted KCNA 28 Aug 2013 -- The north and the south adopted an agreement on organizing and operating the north-south joint committee for the Kaesong Industrial Zone.
South Korean Inspectors Visit Paves Way for Reunions RIA Novosti 28 Aug 2013 -- A team of South Korean inspectors crossed the border with North Korea to inspect a resort venue for reunions of families separated by the Korean War.
Songun Politics Guarantees Peace, Reunification KCNA 28 Aug 2013 -- Songun politics serves as an ever-victorious treasured sword and a great national banner.

Contempt Charges Against Imran Khan Dropped RFE/RL 28 Aug 2013 -- Pakistan's Supreme Court has dropped contempt charges filed against cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan.

Ghana Deploys Police Ahead of Court Ruling VOA 28 Aug 2013 -- The police spokesman in Ghana says officers have been deployed across the country ahead of the Supreme Court’s ruling on the validity of the country’s 2012 presidential election.

UN envoy tells Security Council overdue polls continue to hamper progress in Haiti UN News Centre 28 Aug 2013 -- The ongoing electoral stalemate in Haiti, already linked to socio-economic grievances, could undermine the political and security situations.

Belarusian Young Front Leader Dashkevich Released From Jail RFE/RL 28 Aug 2013 -- Zmitser Dashkevich, the leader of the unregistered Young Front political movement in Belarus, has been released from prison.

New Nicaragua Canal May Change Global Trade VOA 28 Aug 2013 -- A Hong Kong-based company is working out the route for a canal across Nicaragua that would rival the Panama Canal, bolster world trade, and might create a strategic headache for the United States.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list